Why Waterford Will Win Out
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In the third of four articles on the favourites for promotion, Dean Hayes looks at why Waterford will go straight back up to the Premier Division come November.
There’s no Place like Home??
Contrary to the old adage, not everybody revels in their own comfort area. Waterford took just a point from their opening two home games but boast a 100% away record thus far this season. After narrow victories against Wexford Youths and Athlone Town, The Blues recovered from a goal down at Finn Park in their last away trip to win 3-1. The ability to take points away from your own ground is a key factor in winning any league and Waterford are showing, at this early stage, that they are just as comfortable in Lissywoollen as they are in the RSC. This away form will be put to its biggest test in the month of May. Waterford travel to promotion rivals UCD and Sporting Fingal in successive weeks and these games could prove decisive in where the First Division trophy ends up.
Stephen Henderson
The Dublin born manager has brought enthusiasm, fresh ideas and a winning mentality to this Waterford side. Henderson arrived from Cobh this season where he worked wonders from the moment he took the reins. In his first full season at the club he steered them to a lofty third place finish in the First Division, their highest league placing since 1999. Within three seasons he delivered the club its first piece of silverware, the First Division title in 2007. The team failed to adjust to the step up in quality that was the Premier Division however and were relegated the following season.
Henderson has come to Suirside eager for another crack at the top flight. As with all good managers, he is an excellent innovator. Having signed centre-half Graham Cummins from his former side, he has converted the young defender into a prolific striker. Cummins currently has six goals so far this season.
Goals! Goals! Goals!
Any side looking for promotion must be capable of scoring plenty of goals, a prolific strike-force can work wonders for a team. Waterford’s front pairing only came together at the beginning of the season but they are already forging a deadly partnership. Graham Cummins and Willie John Kiely have started six games together this season and scored 11 goals between them. After his four-goal haul last time out 21-year-old Cummins leads the club’s scoring charts with six, while Kiely lies just one goal behind him on five. Any striking duo take time to get used to each other’s style and runs but this pair seem to be clicking very fast and their form will be key to The Blues promotion aspirations.
Michael Devine
A quality goalkeeper is the foundation of any team and Devine has been one of the best around for over a decade. The Captain is a steadying influence on his back four and brings a wealth of experience to the team. Having had spells at Middlesbrough and Newcastle United as a youngster, he returned to his hometown of Cobh in 1993. The 36-year-old spent a year at Waterford before joining Cork City in 2000. After eight years on Leeside he has returned to the RSC and has become a key performer for Stephen Henderson’s outfit. A magnificent shot-stopper, he has made key saves for his team this season. Against Longford, Waterford dominated the game but only had a one goal lead to show for it. Devine made an outstanding reaction save in the dying seconds to secure three vital points for the team. Moments like these can have a profound impact on a team’s season and if Waterford are to be in the mix at the end of the season it will be in no small part due to Devine’s influence.
There’s no Place like Home??
Contrary to the old adage, not everybody revels in their own comfort area. Waterford took just a point from their opening two home games but boast a 100% away record thus far this season. After narrow victories against Wexford Youths and Athlone Town, The Blues recovered from a goal down at Finn Park in their last away trip to win 3-1. The ability to take points away from your own ground is a key factor in winning any league and Waterford are showing, at this early stage, that they are just as comfortable in Lissywoollen as they are in the RSC. This away form will be put to its biggest test in the month of May. Waterford travel to promotion rivals UCD and Sporting Fingal in successive weeks and these games could prove decisive in where the First Division trophy ends up.
Stephen Henderson
The Dublin born manager has brought enthusiasm, fresh ideas and a winning mentality to this Waterford side. Henderson arrived from Cobh this season where he worked wonders from the moment he took the reins. In his first full season at the club he steered them to a lofty third place finish in the First Division, their highest league placing since 1999. Within three seasons he delivered the club its first piece of silverware, the First Division title in 2007. The team failed to adjust to the step up in quality that was the Premier Division however and were relegated the following season.
Henderson has come to Suirside eager for another crack at the top flight. As with all good managers, he is an excellent innovator. Having signed centre-half Graham Cummins from his former side, he has converted the young defender into a prolific striker. Cummins currently has six goals so far this season.
Goals! Goals! Goals!
Any side looking for promotion must be capable of scoring plenty of goals, a prolific strike-force can work wonders for a team. Waterford’s front pairing only came together at the beginning of the season but they are already forging a deadly partnership. Graham Cummins and Willie John Kiely have started six games together this season and scored 11 goals between them. After his four-goal haul last time out 21-year-old Cummins leads the club’s scoring charts with six, while Kiely lies just one goal behind him on five. Any striking duo take time to get used to each other’s style and runs but this pair seem to be clicking very fast and their form will be key to The Blues promotion aspirations.
Michael Devine
A quality goalkeeper is the foundation of any team and Devine has been one of the best around for over a decade. The Captain is a steadying influence on his back four and brings a wealth of experience to the team. Having had spells at Middlesbrough and Newcastle United as a youngster, he returned to his hometown of Cobh in 1993. The 36-year-old spent a year at Waterford before joining Cork City in 2000. After eight years on Leeside he has returned to the RSC and has become a key performer for Stephen Henderson’s outfit. A magnificent shot-stopper, he has made key saves for his team this season. Against Longford, Waterford dominated the game but only had a one goal lead to show for it. Devine made an outstanding reaction save in the dying seconds to secure three vital points for the team. Moments like these can have a profound impact on a team’s season and if Waterford are to be in the mix at the end of the season it will be in no small part due to Devine’s influence.
About Dean Hayes
Dean covers Waterford United and, due to a challenge from Gareth, writes in an increasingly Gonzo style. Having found himself with a considerable surplus of a culinary herb, Dean founded sister 'site extrathyme.ie some years … View Full Profile